Premier Li Keqiang meets the press after the closing of the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11. [Photo/Xinhua]

Those who disregard people's pain and suffering must be held accountable, and those involved with the trafficking of women must be brought to justice, Premier Li Keqiang said at a meeting of the press following the closing of the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11.

When asked how to improve livelihoods, Li mentioned a recent incident involving the gross violation of one woman's rights and interests, saying that "it was indeed deeply distressing and we are indignant".

He highlighted the importance of protecting the public's rights and interests, adding that "safety and better lives are closely interconnected, so it's the mission for governments at all levels to do everything we can to protect people's lives and safety".

Cracking down on the trafficking of women and children has been a hot issue among national lawmakers and political advisers during the two sessions, China's annual biggest political event.

Last month, a high-profile trafficking case involving a woman in eastern China's Jiangsu province triggered huge public outcry, leading to calls for heavier punishments for both traffickers and those who buy trafficked people.

The Government Work Report, delivered by Li on Saturday at opening of the fifth session of the 13th NPC, stated that China will crack down hard on the trafficking of women and children this year, and pledged to protect the rights and interests of women and children.

The country's top judicial authorities — the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate — also demonstrated their determination and efforts in the fight against the trafficking of women and children in their work reports.

The central government's report, as well as the two judicial work reports, were approved at the closing of the fifth session of the 13th NPC on March 11.